“Igniting the Fire in Introductory Psychology”

Hosted by Bridgette Martin Hard

“For the correct analogy for the mind is not a vessel that needs filling, but wood that needs igniting -- no more -- and then it motivates one toward originality and instills a desire for truth”

Plutarch, “On Listening,” in Morals c. 100, as translated by Robin Waterfield, 1992

Many instructors have fallen into the trap of thinking that teaching is a process of filling a vessel: transferring knowledge from teacher to student. If so, then successful teaching depends on the clarity of our explanations and how well students can regurgitate what they have heard in class. But students are complex beings whose emotional experiences and social connections in a class shape both the learning process and longer-term interest in the field. How can we create a learning environment that ignites a passion for psychology? The focus of this presentation is to specifically consider the importance of two related socioemotional processes: course engagement, which we define as a sense of “gusto” for learning in a course, and course belonging, which we define as a sense of value, comfort, or inclusion from the perception that one belongs in a course community. We will examine some of the evidence that these socioemotional processes shape important outcomes in intro psych and other courses, and explore various strategies for increasing both. Participants will take time to reflect on how to apply specific strategies in their own courses and consider which strategies best fit the needs of their students.

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